It has been a privilege to walk through the book of James each week with our students, faculty, and staff as we considered “Steadfast Faith for Trying Times” this year in chapel.

James is a practical book focusing on our words, our deeds, and our relationships with others. It challenges us to remain steadfast through challenges, and we need only turn on the evening news or visit the Internet to know that we live in challenging times.

Consider James’ encouragement to us in chapter 1, verses 2–4:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

As we face the trials and obstacles of life we must remain steadfast in our faith, which will be displayed in our words, our actions, and our relationships with others. The weight of James will weigh heavy on us all if we forget about the grace of the cross and the power of the Holy Spirit living within us. It is only by the power of the Spirit that we can live the kind of life James describes.

I’m posting access to the entire sermon series in case you have missed any of them. I encourage you to watch and be encouraged that even in the midst of cultural or personal challenges, we can take heart knowing that we have a “Steadfast Faith for Trying Times.”

I’d like to conclude with a short clip of my challenge to our students — and to you — that we love one another enough to never stop seeking to bring back a lost brother or sister who has strayed from the faith.